Chaetorellia succinea

(Costa, 1845)

False Peacock Fly

Chaetorellia succinea is a tephritid fruit fly native to the Mediterranean region that was accidentally introduced to the western United States in 1991. It has become established as a agent of yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis), a noxious weed. The fly was not intentionally released due to concerns about potential attack on safflower (Carthamus tinctorius). It has been observed to feed on multiple Centaurea and may competitively displace the related biocontrol fly Chaetorellia australis where both occur.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chaetorellia succinea: /kaɪˈtɔrɛliə sʌkˈsɪniə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Habitat

Associated with Centaurea plants, particularly in disturbed and agricultural areas where yellow starthistle grows. Native range in the Mediterranean include open, dry environments supporting starthistle .

Distribution

Native: Italy, Greece, Turkey, Caucasus, Kazakhstan, south to Egypt, Jordan, and Iran. Introduced: Oregon and California, United States.

Diet

Larvae develop within flower of Centaurea . Documented include yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis), Maltese starthistle (C. melitensis), Sicilian starthistle (C. sulphurea), and American starthistle (C. americana).

Host Associations

Centaurea solstitialis - primary - larval development in flower yellow starthistle; main target of
Centaurea melitensis - - larval development in flower Maltese starthistle
Centaurea sulphurea - - larval development in flower Sicilian starthistle
Centaurea americana - - larval development in flower American starthistle; native North American
Carthamus tinctorius - potential - concern for non-target attacksafflower; pre-release concern prevented intentional introduction

Behavior

Larvae develop inside flower of plants, feeding on developing seeds. likely disperse to find new host plants. Where co-occurring with Chaetorellia australis, C. succinea probably displaces this congeneric biocontrol agent through competition.

Ecological Role

agent of yellow starthistle. Acts as a seed , reducing seed production of plants. Potential competitive effects on other biocontrol agents in the same guild.

Human Relevance

Accidentally introduced agent that has become a major component of for yellow starthistle in the western United States. Initial concerns about safflower attack were raised but the fly was introduced unintentionally via contaminated plant material from Greece.

Similar Taxa

Chaetorellia australisCongeneric biocontrol fly also targeting yellow starthistle; C. succinea likely displaces it where they co-occur
Chaetorellia hetaeraOther congeneric in the same that may overlap in use or distribution